Awareness is one of the most important weapons in combating the prevalent but often ignored problem of elder abuse and neglect. Registered nurse attorney Angela T. Vagotis recommends effective and proven tips to help the public identify and report the abuse or neglect of the elderly.

1. Identifying Elder and
Nursing Home Abuse
Presented by:
Angela T. Vagotis Co. LPA
Huntington Bank Building
Suite 940
220 Market Ave., South
Canton, Oh 44702
www.avagotislaw.com

2. The Current Landscape
With the New York Times reporting that more than
90% of nursing homes were cited for violations of
federal health and safety standards in 2007, it’s
clear that elder abuse is a pervasive problem that’s
not going away any time soon.
It’s a problem that affects not only elders living in
institutional settings but also those living in their
own homes or with relatives.
And, unlike child abuse, elder abuse often goes
unrecognized and unreported, further complicating efforts to protect
seniors in our communities. But each of us can do our part to curb
abuse by being vigilant for the following warning signs.

3. Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation is a form of
elder abuse that can take many
forms. Warning signs include:
Lack of affordable comforts or
amenities in the senior’s home
Giving unusually excessive gifts or
money for needed care or
companionship
A caregiver who has control over
the elder’s funds doesn’t provide for
the person’s needs
A senior has signed legal documents
without understanding their meaning

4. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse can be one of the most difficult issues of elder
abuse to address.
Concerns about insulting the possible victim or unfairly accusing
the suspected perpetrator can sometimes overshadow the
absolute need to protect our elderly population.
Look for these signs and be ready
to address the issue firmly:
•Inadequately explained cuts,
fractures, welts, sores or burns
•Unexplained sexually transmitted
diseases

5. Neglect
Elder neglect can take many forms, some
more subtle than others. Here are some of
the most common signs that a senior is
being neglected:
•Lack of basic hygiene or appropriate
clothing
•Lack of medication or food
•Missing glasses, walker, dentures or other
medical aids
•Home is cluttered, dirty, in disrepair or
lacks adequate facilities, such as appliances,
plumbing or electricity
•Untreated bed sores

6. Emotional Abuse
School kids aren’t the only victims of bullying
and emotional abuse – the elderly also are
targets.
Be alert for the following signs of emotional
abuse:
•Unusual or unexplained changes in behavior, such as avoiding
normal activities
•Isolation of the elder, such as the caregiver refusing to let anyone into
the home or speak with the victim
•Verbal aggression on the caregiver’s part, as well as demeaning,
controlling or uncaring behavior by the caregiver

7. Risk Factors
Elder abuse can happen to any
senior citizen in any setting across
all socioeconomic, racial and cultural
groups.
Current information indicates that
women, homebound or isolated
elders and those older than 80 are
most at risk. Common risk factors
include:
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Poor physical health or dementia
• Mental health or substance abuse
problems on the part of the elder or
the caregiver

8. Suspect it; Report it
If you suspect elder abuse, protect the senior you know and
love by reporting your concerns to the proper authorities.
Contact your local adult protective services agency or call
the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

9. Or call her at 330-456-4122.
Protecting loved ones from elder abuse and neglect can be a
heart-wrenching proposition.
Be sure to contact the authorities and get the expert assistance
and support you need.
Nurse attorney Angela T. Vagotis is an experienced elder abuse
attorney who can help you navigate the uncertain terrain
involved in preventing and ending abusive actions
Visit her website at www.avagotislaw.com for more
information.